In Ellbögen, traces dating back thousands of years meet mining history and destinations in the surrounding valleys. Choosing the village for a stay allows you to combine cultural history with hikes and seasonal activities—and weigh up different high-altitude destinations and interests.
Cup-Marked Stones, Church and Mining History
St. Peter’s parish church has been mentioned since the early 14th century. The cup-marked stones tell an even older story: Ellbögen has the largest collection of Stone Age and Bronze Age cup-marked stones in Tyrol and Austria. This distinctive combination shapes the village’s cultural character; its history is not confined to a single building or era.
Mining for ore is also part of that history. Around 1600, iron ore was mined in the Viggar and Arztal valleys. Heavily deteriorated remains known as “Knappenlöcher” (“miners’ holes”) can be seen in both valleys. In Ellbögen, Stone Age and Bronze Age artefacts, the parish church’s mention in the early 14th century, and mining around 1600 thus represent different periods. Anyone interested in local history will find several specific points of connection here, rather than just one historical theme.
Arztaler Alm and Meissnerhaus: Altitudes and Trailheads
Arztaler Alm lies at 1,900 metres in the valley of the same name, in the Tux Alps east of Ellbögen. From Oberellbögen, a hiking trail leads from the Hinterlarcher car park to the alpine pasture in about 1.5 hours. Meissnerhaus is lower, at 1,720 metres in the Viggar Valley, south of Patscherkofel near Innsbruck. The two destinations therefore differ both in altitude and in their locations in separate valleys. The hike to Meissnerhaus starts at the paid car park in Ellbögen/Mühltal; check the latest parking information before setting out.
The altitude figures help put the destinations in context, while the trailhead and approximate walking time are relevant for planning a specific hike. A walking time is given for Arztaler Alm; the starting point is provided for the hike to Meissnerhaus. This makes it possible to choose based on the time available and the destination you want, without equating the two routes solely by their altitude.
Summer Trails, Cycling Tours and Winter Activities
In summer, Ellbögen has a well-signposted network of hiking and cycling routes of varying difficulty. One cycling tour starts in Ellbögen and heads south of Patscherkofel to Profeglalm. The alpine pasture is also known as Ochsenalm and lies at an altitude of over 1,800 metres on the slope of Morgenkogel. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
Activities at Meissnerhaus also vary with the season: in summer, hikers and mountain bikers come here. In winter, ski tourers, snowshoers and tobogganers meet there. This range of seasonal activities can help with planning: the key question is whether you are choosing Ellbögen for a summer hike or for winter activities at Meissnerhaus. The destinations remain clearly distinct: from the cycling tour to Profeglalm to the three winter activities listed.
Local Cuisine and Choosing Accommodation
The local culinary offering includes Gasthof Neuwirt, which serves dishes made with “Duxer Ochsen” beef. Menus and service conditions can change; if you have a particular dish in mind, check with the inn in advance.
Discover more destinations: Unterperfuss, Mühltal, Schönberg Im Stubaital, Wattenberg, Pfaffenhofen, Wildermieming, Matrei Am Brenner, Vals
Go to the regional travel overview: Innsbruck-Land.
